First Court Hearings For Inaugural Protesters, Strong Winds And Rain

Some of the protesters who were arrested during Friday’s violent demonstrations had their first court hearings. Most of those who appeared in court on Saturday were arraigned on felony charges of rioting. More than 230 arrests were reported on Friday following skirmishes with police. According to the “Washington Post” court filings showed the damage caused by the group exceeds 100-thousand dollars. Police say many of the protesters were well organized and were armed with hammers and crowbars in some instances.

Strong Winds And Rain

It’s very wet and very windy across the DC region. In some areas, the weather is causing damage. Montgomery County fire officials say strong winds brought a tree down and knocked out powerlines early this morning on Seven Locks Road in Bethesda. A small fire erupted and no injuries were reported. Forecasters say the strong winds will diminish overnight tonight.

White House Hits Slow Pace Of Cabinet Confirmations

White House spokesman Sean Spicer is criticizing what he calls the slow pace of Cabinet confirmations in the Senate. In the first full news briefing of the Trump administration, Spicer said Democrats are playing political games to slow things down. He noted that several of former President Obama’s Cabinet picks were confirmed at this time eight years ago. So far, two of President Trump’s picks have cleared the Senate. They are Defense Secretary James Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. CIA nominee Mike Pompeo is expected to be confirmed tonight.

Sanitation Worker Killed In Laurel

A sanitation worker is dead after being struck by a car in Laurel. Officials say the worker was behind a garbage truck when the vehicle hit him on Old Sandy Spring Road at Casulas Way around 9:30 this morning. A second passenger vehicle was involved in the incident as well. It’s unclear how the accident happened or if there are any more injuries.

Harold Fisher

Harold T. Fisher is a broadcast journalist and author. He is currently the host of the news/talk program, “The Daily Drum” on WHUR-FM and H-U-R Voices, Sirius/XM Channel 141. Highlights of his journalism campaigns include the aftermath of the earthquake in Port Au Prince, Haiti; coverage of the 2008 Democratic and Republican conventions; the Jena 6 protests in central Louisiana; the Midwestern floods of 1994 and hurricane Andrew in 1992.